WorkSafeBC
The WorkSafeBC Board of Directors has appointed Allan Seckel as WorkSafeBC’s first fair practices commissioner.
The commissioner role was introduced as part of Bill 41, which received Royal Assent in November 2022. His function will be to investigate complaints by employers, workers, and dependants of workers regarding alleged unfairness in their dealings with WorkSafeBC. The commissioner will then make recommendations to WorkSafeBC to resolve complaints or address systemic problems with the fairness of WorkSafeBC policies, practices, or procedures.
How the role will work
The newly appointed commissioner will operate independently from WorkSafeBC. The Fair Practices Office continues to be the first level of independent review for complaints. To access a review by the commissioner, the complaint must first have been registered and reviewed by the FPO.
Implementation timeline
While Mr. Seckel assumed the role yesterday (May 1), it will take a few months to build the necessary processes and systems to support the commissioner. We expect the intake process to be up and running by September and will let you know as soon as it’s available.
For more information on Mr. Seckel and his role, visit worksafebcfairpracticescommissioner.com.
Biography
Mr. Seckel, KC, has had a career spanning private practice, public service, and the not-for-profit sector, with in-depth experience in both investigations and dispute resolution. From 2003 to 2009 he was the Deputy Attorney General for B.C., and from 2009 to 2011 he was the Cabinet Secretary, head of Public Service, and Deputy Minister to the premier of British Columbia.
From 2011 to 2021 Mr. Seckel was the CEO of Doctors of BC, and he is currently chair of the BC Housing Commission, vice chair of Legal Aid BC, and a board member for TransLink and ICBC. An active community member, he also serves as Board chair for Covenant House Vancouver.
New Bill 41 page
We have also launched a page to house updates on Bill 41 amendments as we progress. To see where we stand with implementation, please visit worksafebc.com/Bill41.